Hertsmere's first openly gay Mayor welcomed

The borough’s mayoral chains have been passed on to Councillor Chris Myers.

Cllr Myers, pictured below right, takes over the role as Mayor of Hertsmere from Cllr John Graham and was inaugurated at our annual meeting yesterday (Wednesday 17 May). The new Deputy Mayor, Cllr Richard Butler, pictured below left, was also welcomed.

During his time as Mayor, Cllr John Graham raised money to support Peace Hospice Care.

He said: “It has been an honour to serve as Mayor of Hertsmere over the past year; a year that has seen hardship such as the cost of living pressures, the continuing war in Ukraine and the death of the longest-serving monarch and I was able to reach out to the local community to listen to their concerns and answer questions.

“But through these hardships I’ve been able to see first-hand the activities of individuals and local groups which make a difference to the community, such as visiting foodbanks, warm spaces and the summer meals projects.

“I will cherish my time as Mayor and wish our new Mayor the best.”

New Mayor Cllr Myers is looking forward to his year as Mayor during which he will be raising money to support ADD-vance ADHD and Autism Trust and The Albert Kennedy Trust.

Cllr Myers said: “I am delighted to take on the role of the Mayor of Hertsmere. The day of my inauguration, 17 May, was also the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Lesbophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBLIT) and I am proud to be Hertsmere’s first openly gay Mayor.

“I look forward to strengthening my connections with the community and seeing how I can make a difference in Hertsmere.”

If you would like to invite the Mayor to attend one of your events, please contact the Mayor’s Secretary on 020 8207 7477 or email mayors.secretary@hertsmere.gov.uk.